scholarly journals Tryptophan and Membrane Mobility as Conditioners and Brokers of Gut–Brain Axis in Depression

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (14) ◽  
pp. 4933
Author(s):  
Massimo Cocchi ◽  
Giovanna Traina

The aim of this brief narrative commentary is to discuss some aspects involved in depression. It is increasingly evident that the phenomenon of mood disorders, despite its unequivocal genetic origin, slips into a multifactorial set of biochemical and molecular events that involve the whole organism. A vast literature has provided evidence that recognizes changes in serotonergic neurotransmission in the pathophysiology of depression. In addition, an increased arachidonic acid/omega-3 fatty acid ratio, which confers to mammalian cell membranes their fluidity, is associated with the depressive state. The combination of the excessive expression of kinurenine and the increased fluidity of the membrane has never been considered in the meaning of a simultaneous effect in the determinism of the depressive condition. Furthermore, various evidence supports the relationship between intestinal microbiota and depression and confirms alterations in the microbiota in depressive pathology.

2007 ◽  
Vol 27 (5) ◽  
pp. 633-638 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tammy Burns ◽  
Stephanie R Maciejewski ◽  
William R Hamilton ◽  
Margaret Zheng ◽  
Aryan N Mooss ◽  
...  

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dean Fido ◽  
Nadja Heym ◽  
Claire Bloxsom ◽  
Kirsty Hunter ◽  
Michael Gregson ◽  
...  

The innate violence inhibition mechanism (VIM) purportedly regulates maladaptive aggressive behavior through motor inhibition, in response to expressions of distress, and is implicated in psychopathy-related aggression. Deficiency in eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA; an omega-3 fatty acid) is implicated in aggression and callous-unemotional (CU) traits, however, its relationship to the VIM remains unknown. Two studies tested relationships between EPA intake, personality (aggression, CU traits), and electrophysiological indices of the VIM. In study one (N=98), participants completed omega-3 intake (FFQ), CU traits (ICU), and aggression (BPAQ) measures. Physical aggression correlated positively with callousness and negatively with EPA intake. CU traits were unrelated to EPA. In study two (N=47), participants completed the same measures and an electroencephalography assessment of VIM. Stop-P300 amplitude (motor inhibition success) in response to facial expressions of distress mediated the relationship between EPA intake and physical aggression. This is the first demonstration of an association between EPA intake and electroencephalographic indices of the VIM. Findings support a role of EPA in regulating aggression through networks involved in distress-cued executive control over behaviour; and provide supporting data to direct future trial designs for nutritional supplementation in non-clinical, clinical and forensic arenas.


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